How to Use Form 956 to Appoint or Withdraw an Agent
Learn how to use Form 956 to formally manage who is authorized to act and receive correspondence for your Australian immigration application.
When applying for an Australian visa, you may need help or want someone to receive official letters. The Department of Home Affairs uses two forms for these purposes: Form 956 and Form 956A. Form 956 is used to appoint a registered migration agent, legal practitioner, or an exempt person to provide immigration assistance with your application. Form 956A is used to appoint an authorized recipient who will only receive correspondence from the Department on your behalf and is not permitted to provide immigration assistance.
Choosing the Correct Form: 956 vs. 956A
You must submit Form 956 when you first hire a registered migration agent or legal practitioner, and a new form is required if you change your representative. This officially notifies the Department of the appointment. The form is also used to formally withdraw a representative, a step that can be initiated by either you or your agent.
Use Form 956A to appoint a person, such as a family member or friend, to be the contact point for receiving documents. Submitting this form changes the mailing address for all correspondence from the Department. This form is also used to notify the Department when you want to cancel this arrangement.
Information and Documents Required
Before filling out a form, download the current version from the Department of Home Affairs website. You will need your personal details and your visa application details, such as the Transaction Reference Number (TRN) or file number.
For Form 956, you must provide your representative’s details, including their full name and Migration Agents Registration Number (MARN). For Form 956A, you will need the personal details of your authorized recipient. Both forms must be signed and dated by you and the person being appointed.
Submitting the Completed Form
The most efficient way to submit the completed form is by uploading it through your ImmiAccount. It should be attached to your visa application to ensure it is linked to the correct case file. Once the Department processes Form 956, your agent or practitioner will gain access to manage your application through their professional online portal and receive all future correspondence.
If you lodged a paper application, the form should be mailed to the same departmental office handling your application. Sending it to the wrong office could cause delays.